Main » Gordon Banks, England World Cup winning goalkeeper, dies at age 81

Gordon Banks, England World Cup winning goalkeeper, dies at age 81

12 February 2019

According to BBC Football, the goalkeeper's family issued a public statement on Banks' death.

England's 1966 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81.

The goalkeeper starred in England's 4-2 World Cup final victory over West Germany in 1966.

A national treasure, Banks was awarded an OBE in 1970 - the same year he made the so-called "save of the century" to deny Brazil legend Pele at the World Cup in Mexico.

His global and top-flight career ended in 1972 following a auto accident, which resulted in Banks losing sight in his right eye at the age of just 33.

A spokesperson for Chesterfield FC, where Banks began his career in the 1950s, said: "The sad news reaches us that legendary former Spireite Gordon Banks has passed away. @England's World Cup victor was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. #RIPGordon". We are devastated to lose him but we have so many happy memories and could not have been more proud of him.

Banks, whose club playing career revolved largely around Stoke and Leicester City, is the latest of the 1966 team to pass away.

'We would ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this time'.

Banks, who has died at the age of 81, flung himself to his right and, in a feat which seemed to defy the laws of physics, somehow managed with one hand not only to keep Pele's powerful downward header out, but also flick the ball over the bar.

Banks is also remembered for winning the 1972 League Cup with Stoke, in what remains to be the club's only major trophy.

"On behalf of everyone connected with England, I send my condolences to his wife Ursula, his family and friends".

The former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown isn't dead - this Sky News presenter just made a mistake.

Manchester City and England midfielder, Raheem Sterling said: "Of course there was THAT save, but its so much more we are mourning today".